The ReactOS project has seen some major progress during 2008. The project, which aims to create a Windows NT-compatible operating system, has published a 'year-in-review' article concerning 2008, detailing the various area of work. It provides some interesting insights into the project's development.

So, by saying that they don't need to chase anything newer than XP or even W2K, you've already stated that their original target moved. The fact is, in 5-10 years time, everyone will be telling them they should be targetting Windows 7

The reason I said XP or Win 2K is because unlike Windows 95 (Which lasted less then 3 years) XP has been around for almost 10 years and is not going anywhere anytime soon. Windows 7 will not displace it because too many people like the look and feel of XP. So this is a good target to shoot for.

The reason I said XP or Win 2K is because unlike Windows 95 (Which lasted less then 3 years) XP has been around for almost 10 years and is not going anywhere anytime soon. Windows 7 will not displace it because too many people like the look and feel of XP. So this is a good target to shoot for.

Ah, but there was also Server 2003, and XP64bit which *are* different (even though you'd probably like to believe they aren't relevant). These had newer driver requirements for example.

Personally, I use XP64 at home, and work with Server 2003 quite a bit at work, and find them very pleasant. The user-interface is a very very minor part of the re-creation of Windows - so this is not what you should base your decision on. The re-creation of subsystems, APIs, and the driver model are much more important for the ReactOS project.

I too would welcome an XP as the target, but you have to remain realistic as well. The advantage, as you're pointing out, is that XP has had a long run, with much success software and driver-wise, and this doesn't seem to be dying yet. But in 5-10 years from now, I suspect many hardware manufacturers will cease to offer XP drivers, and the advantage that ReactOS is counting on - driver binary compatibility - will start to subside again.

In any case, I fully support this project, and want to see it succeed and flourish as well